Karen was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) eight months ago today, April 22nd. My thoughts today are many. When I think back to my emotions of fear, emotional pain, disbelief, sadness and tears, I can only see Karen’s face saying, “mom, I’m alright”, and smiling. Karen faced an unforeseen journey, eight months ago today. Needless to say, with the intelligence and brilliance of  her doctor, technology and research, we can be thankful today for having Karen back. I’m not sure how prayer fits in. Prayer is powerful, prayer is faith, love, hope, support, life. When we say the Lord’s Prayer, we say, “thy kingdom come, thy will  be done“. I can only surmise that God has a further plan, purpose, for Karen to carry out, and we are so thankful and grateful to God. I’ll ask Him when I see Him.

As of today, Karen is cancer free! The results we have been waiting for, show NO abnormal chromosomes. And as I posted earlier, 99% donor DNA (Hilda) and 0 Blasts (no cancer). Her red blood cell, white blood cell and platelet counts are good. She remains at 10 mg. of steroid medication and has stopped the IV drug for the fungal pneumonia. Her muscle strength is gaining, and she got the ok to drive. Her next appointment is on 12/28. She will have her blood work done, a lung  x-ray, probably her pick line taken out of her arm and her steroid medication lowered to 5mg.

One bit of news that we did receive about a month ago, is that Karen’s doctor is moving from City of Hope to USC Medical Center. His patients could follow him or stay at City of Hope. We will now travel to USC. Ha! No thought needed there. I told him we would follow him home, if we needed to. USC has a small cancer treatment center, but does not have a transplant center. Her doctor will be in charge of putting one in place.

With the love of God, Steve, Christian, Lauren, family and ALL of you, we will celebrate the birth of Jesus and the new life of Karen on Christmas Day!

Have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!